Description

The present reference is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26” ref. M79377KN-0003, a motorsport-focused limited edition created in celebration of the 2026 Formula 1 season and Tudor’s partnership with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team. Limited to 2,026 individually numbered pieces, it follows the Carbon 25 while adopting a new palette inspired by the VCARB 03’s racing livery.

At 42 mm in diameter and 14.3 mm thick, the Carbon 26 retains the purposeful proportions of the Black Bay Chronograph, yet transforms the wearing experience through an extensively lightweight construction. Its middle case, fixed tachymeter bezel, and even the strap end-links are executed in black carbon composite, whose marbled surface gives each watch a subtly individual appearance. A PVD-finished titanium caseback, crown, and screw-down chronograph pushers complement the carbon architecture, while maintaining a highly practical 200-metre water resistance.

The domed “racing white” dial provides a crisp, high-contrast backdrop for carbon-fibre chronograph counters and a carbon-framed date aperture at 6 o’clock. Its layered construction, alternating brass discs with carbon-fibre sheets, adds notable depth and texture to the bicompax display. Yellow accents around the minute track, registers, and date disc directly reference the VCARB 03, while the familiar Black Bay Snowflake hands and applied hour markers are outlined in black and filled with luminous material for excellent legibility.

Powering the Carbon 26 is Tudor’s COSC-certified Manufacture Chronograph Calibre MT5813, a self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch. The calibre runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, employs a non-magnetic silicon balance spring and variable-inertia balance, and provides a robust 70-hour power reserve. Its functions include central hours, minutes, and chronograph seconds; a 45-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock; running seconds at 9 o’clock; and an instantaneous date at 6 o’clock. The movement is housed behind a solid, PVD-finished titanium caseback rather than a display back.

Completing the watch is a hybrid leather-and-rubber strap embossed with a tyre-pattern motif and secured by a PVD-coated pin buckle. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26” is an especially compelling expression of the collection: a true performance chronograph whose lightweight composite construction, contemporary F1-inspired livery, and proven column-wheel movement make it a distinctive collector’s edition.

Tudor – Bio

Founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary behind Rolex, Tudor Watches has carved its own niche in the horological world. Offering Swiss precision at a more accessible price point, Tudor seamlessly merges reliability with style. Over the decades, its innovative designs and robust functionality have garnered a loyal following. Notable collections like the Black Bay and Pelagos embody the brand’s spirit of adventure and exploration. Distinct from its sibling, Rolex, yet with shared DNA, Tudor continues its legacy of producing timepieces that resonate with both enthusiasts and everyday wearers, championing a unique blend of heritage and modernity.